Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Online Correspondent
GOVERNMENT, in collaboration with the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has launched the Zimbabwe eTrade Readiness Assessment (eT Ready), the National Productive Capacities Gap Assessment (NPCGA) and the Holistic Productive Capacities Development Programme (HPCDP).
The launch event took place at a Harare hotel today.
The initiatives mark a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards achieving its Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy goals.
They reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering digital transformation, trade diversification and structural economic development.
The Zimbabwe eT Ready is the 39th assessment conducted globally by UNCTAD and the 20th in Africa.
It provides a detailed review of Zimbabwe’s e-commerce ecosystem, identifying opportunities and challenges in areas such as digital infrastructure, logistics, legal frameworks, financial inclusion and digital skills.
The assessment highlights the need for inclusive policies and investments to bridge the urban-rural digital divide and promote a strong and safe e-commerce ecosystem and thriving digital economy favourable to the people, businesses and consumers of Zimbabwe.
The NPCGA offers a data-driven analysis of Zimbabwe’s economic performance using UNCTAD’s Productive Capacities Index (PCI).
It reveals critical gaps in infrastructure, institutions, and private sector development, while recognising strengths in human capital and ICT.
The assessment underscores the need for strategic industrial policies and macroeconomic reforms to unlock Zimbabwe’s development potential.
Building on the NPCGA, the HPCDP presents a multi-dimensional, multi-annual roadmap to address Zimbabwe’s development challenges. Structured around five pillars-human capital, infrastructure, economic diversification, governance and macro-economic stability and environmental sustainability-the programme aims to accelerate economic transformation, enhance export diversification, and ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
The joint launch featured high-level remarks from Government officials, UNCTAD leadership and international partners, including the Republic of Korea, whose financial support has been instrumental for the eTrade Readiness Assessment.
The event also included a presentation of key findings and recommendations of the three initiatives.
This collaborative effort highlights the transformative potential of international cooperation and evidence-based policymaking in driving Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Peter Tanyanyiwa